7 Perfect Trail to Tap Combinations in Golden, CO
Welch Ditch Trail
You can’t visit downtown Golden, Colorado without going for a hike or a visiting brewery, so why not just do both of them together? This tiny mountain town, only 20 minutes away from Denver, is dotted with legendary breweries, bars, and some of the best restaurants in the area. If you love hiking in Colorado and beer, then this list is for you.
In this post, I’ll highlight some of the best breweries in Golden that are right next to, or down the road from, an epic trail. This list includes a well rounded mix of easy and moderately challenging hikes.
Each recommendation links the AllTrails details so you can find all of the trail information you need to know, as well as a link to the brewery website, so you can view the menu to see if it’s what you’re looking for before you head out the door.
Most of these hikes are located near downtown Golden, so make sure you check out the town too. In fact, I wrote an entire blog post on the 21 Best Things to Do in Golden, CO, if you’re looking for ideas.
Have fun exploring Golden and drink up!
1. Mesa Top Trail to New Terrain Brewing Company
AllTrails info: Mesa Top, Tilting Mesa, North Table Loop Trails
Brewery website: New Terrain Brewing Co.
Why it’s a great combo: This is probably one of the best trail to tap combinations in Golden, CO because the brewery and trailhead are at the exact same spot. You will literally pass the brewery when you step off the trail, since the establishment is locate at the base of North Table Mountain. It’s impossible to not stop for a drink.
2. Peaks to Plains Trail to Golden City Brewery
AllTrails info: Peaks to Plains Trail
Brewery website: Golden City Brewery
Why it’s a great combo: You can access the Peaks to Plains Trail via the Clear Creek Trail which is located right next to the Golden City Brewery. You can park in either downtown Golden or at the Clear Creek Canyon Park, Gateway Trailhead. What I love most about this trail is that it is paved making it a great spot for families, casual hikers, and bikers.
3. Olivine Trail Loop to the Golden Mill
AllTrails: Olivine Trail
Brewery website: The Golden Mill
Why it’s a great combo: This trail and tap combination is the ultimate Golden experience. Hike to the iconic Castle Rock on South Table Mountain that towers over Golden and then eat and drink at the most popular restaurant in town. Although the Golden Mill isn’t exactly a brewery, it has a full self serve tap wall with a variety of local beers to sample.
4. Mount Galbraith to Cannonball Creek Brewery
AllTrails: Mount Galbraith Loop via Cedar Gulch Trail OR Nightbird Gulch Trail
Brewery website: Cannonball Creek Brewing Company
Why it’s a great combo: Although not directly located right next to each other, the trailhead is pretty close to this brewery. There are two options to choose from to reach Mount Galbraith. You can take either the Cedar Gulch Trail or the Nightbird Gulch Trail, both located down the road from Cannonball Creek Brewery.
5. Basalt Cap Loop Trail to Barrels and Bottles Brewery
AllTrails: Basalt Cap Look Trail
Brewery website: Barrels and Bottles Brewery
Why it’s a great combo: Despite being a brewery, one of Barrels and Bottles biggest draws are their frozen wine slushies. There’s nothing more refreshing after hiking up South Table mountain than an ice cold beverage. This brewery is that spot. Make sure you stop at Carl’s Point off of the Basalt Cap Trail that offers sweeping views of Denver.
6. Lichen Peak Trail to Holiday Brewing Company
AllTrails: Lichen Peak Trail
Brewery website: Holiday Brewing Company
Why it’s a great combo: The hike to Lichen Peak is the perfect, short hike for epic views of the Front Range. I would highly recommend this as a sunset hike. Conveniently located directly across the road is Holiday Brewing Company where you can enjoy some delicious post-hike beer.
7. Flatirons Vista Trail to the Flats Beer Garden
AllTrails: Flatirons Vista Trail
Brewery website: The Flats Beer Garden
Why it’s a great combo: I’d argue that this bar and eatery has some of the best views in the area. It’s located just outside of Golden, about halfway between Golden and Boulder, but trust me it’s worth the drive. If you’re driving to Denver after the Flatirons Vista hike, you’ll drive right pass this restaurant so checking it out is a must. Here you’ll find a well rounded food and drink menu that will satisfy a hungry hiker’s appetite.
